Drills to Get the Correct Ball Position in the Golf Swing

Proper ball position is essential for executing all types of golf shots--powerful shots with your driver and fairway woods or solid shots with your middle irons or spinning shots with your wedges. Different clubs are designed for different angles of attack on the ball. Long clubs should be launched with an upward blow, middle irons should be launched with a level blow, and wedges should be struck with a descending blow. You don't have to change your swing for each shot--just modify your ball position.

Forward position for long clubs

Your driver is designed to be struck slightly on the upswing, which means that the ball should be played forward in the stance. Because you will be using a tee, you can play the ball off your left heel. Your fairway woods should be struck just after the bottom of your swing arc, so play the ball one ball width to the right of your left heel. This will allow a good launch angle but prevent topped shots.

Middle position for mid-irons and hybrids

Your mid-irons and hybrids should strike the ball just before the bottom of your swing arc, so play the ball one to two ball widths forward of the center of your stance. If you are correctly transferring your weight to your left foot through impact, you will catch the ball first and then brush the grass with the club. You don't need to create a divot, but if you do, it should be a shallow one.

Back position for your short irons

Your short clubs allow you to attack the pin. They have plenty of loft, and they are designed for hitting shots that stop quickly after landing. If you play the ball two ball widths behind the center of your stance, you can create a fairly steep descending blow. This will allow you to hit the ball with your hands in front of the ball and create the spin that you desire.

References

• GolfInstruction: Finding your correct ball position at address
• Golfing Lifetips: Where in my stance do I play the ball